Mexican Marigold (Tagetes lucida): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Mexican marigold work for anxiety?

Mexican marigold (Tagetes lucida) contains anethole and methyleugenol, which are believed to modulate GABA receptors in the central nervous system, producing calming and mildly sedative effects. The herb's volatile oils, including estragole, contribute to its anxiolytic properties through central nervous system depression. These compounds may also exert antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle, explaining its traditional use for digestive complaints. Evidence level: C (preclinical and traditional use data).

Does Mexican marigold interact with any medications?

Mexican marigold may interact with central nervous system depressants, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol, potentially enhancing sedative effects. Due to its coumarin content, there is a theoretical risk of interaction with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, though clinical evidence is limited. Patients taking sedatives, blood thinners, or medications metabolized by the liver should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C (theoretical based on constituent profile).

What is the recommended dosage for Mexican marigold tea?

The typical adult dosage for Mexican marigold is 2-4 grams of dried herb prepared as a tea, taken twice daily. To prepare, steep the dried herb in hot water for 10-15 minutes. This dosage is based on traditional use and should not be exceeded, as higher doses may produce psychoactive effects. Evidence level: C (traditional use). Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing guidance.

Is Mexican marigold safe during pregnancy?

Mexican marigold is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb contains methyleugenol and estragole, compounds associated with potential hepatotoxicity and possible carcinogenic effects with prolonged exposure. These constituents may pose risks to fetal development. Breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data. Evidence level: C (based on constituent toxicity profiles).

What is Mexican marigold used for in herbal medicine?

Mexican marigold has been used traditionally as a digestive aid, for reducing fever, and for managing mild anxiety. The herb was sacred to the Aztec people, who used it in religious ceremonies and as incense. Modern herbalists may recommend it for gastrointestinal discomfort and nervous tension. Some use it as a culinary substitute for French tarragon due to its similar anise-like flavor. Evidence level: C (traditional and ethnobotanical use).

What are the side effects of Mexican marigold?

At recommended doses, Mexican marigold may cause mild drowsiness. At higher doses, it can produce psychoactive effects including altered perception and enhanced sedation. The herb contains methyleugenol and estragole, which have raised concerns about potential liver toxicity and carcinogenicity with long-term, high-dose use. Individuals with liver disease should avoid this herb entirely. Evidence level: C (based on constituent analysis and traditional use reports).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Tagetes lucida, also known as Mexican marigold, yauhtli, or pericón, is a medicinal plant native to America used primarily in traditional Mexican medicine for central nervous system and inflammatory disorders [PMID:30388858, 32961278, 36365258].

Contexte

Tagetes lucida (Mexican marigold) is a species of the Tagetes genus native to America [PMID:30388858]. It is widely utilized in folk medicine, particularly in Mexico, to treat various health problems including those related to the central nervous system, inflammation, and gastrointestinal issues [PMID:30388858, 34789033, 36365258].

Usages traditionnels

In traditional Mexican medicine, it is used to treat anxiety, depressant diseases, pain, hypertension, and disorders associated with inflammation [PMID:32961278, 34789033]. It is also used as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders causing stomachaches, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea [PMID:33193797].

Composés actifs

Bioactive compounds include coumarins (such as herniarin, scoparone, dimethylfraxetin, 7-O-prenylscopoletin, 7-O-prenylumbelliferone, and umbelliferone) [PMID:30618303, 36365258, 33193797], flavonoids (quercetagetin, quercetin, and rutin) [PMID:19127719, 34789033], terpenes (including $\beta$-caryophyllene) [PMID:32033302], and essential oil components such as estragole, methyl eugenol, linalool, and geraniol [PMID:35419861, 35807645]. It also contains thiophenes, specifically 5-(3-buten-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithienyl [PMID:20394003], and phenolic acids like gallic, chlorogenic, quinic, and shikimic acids [PMID:37446829].

Mécanisme d'action

Antidepressant-like effects are mediated by 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors [PMID:26062718]. Some constituents act as monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibitors [PMID:37446829]. Antihypertensive effects involve vasorelaxant activity on aortic rings [PMID:32961278]. Antispasmodic activity has been observed in guinea pig ileum segments [PMID:33193797].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DDepression

Aqueous extracts showed antidepressant-like effects in rat forced swimming tests, reducing immobility and increasing swimming [PMID:18782612, 22809029, 26062718].

Preuve DInflammation/Pain

Coumarins and aqueous extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in mice and rat models of auricular oedema and gout-pain [PMID:30618303, 34789033, 41067319].

Preuve DHypertension

Ethanolic extract lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure in SHR rats without modifying heart rate [PMID:32961278].

Preuve DGastrointestinal Disorders

Aqueous extract showed antispasmodic activity in guinea pig ileum and antidiarrheal activity in the charcoal meal test in mice [PMID:33193797].

Preuve DBacterial Infection

Essential oil and its main compounds exhibited antibacterial activity and modulated antibiotic resistance in S. aureus and P. aeruginosa [PMID:35419861].

Preuve D

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Acute toxicity of the aqueous extract was evaluated using OECD guideline 425 in mice [PMID:41067319]. No specific adverse effects were reported in the provided abstracts, though one study noted no adverse effects on male sexual behavior in rats [PMID:18782612].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Extracts and isolated coumarins (herniarin and dimethylfraxetin) from T. lucida were found to increase the cataleptic effect of haloperidol in mice [PMID:36297813].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating potential antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antibacterial properties. No human clinical trials were provided in the abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 30388858 (2018) — Tagetes spp. Essential Oils and Other Extracts: Chemical Characterization and Biological Activity. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 34789033 (2022) — Isolation, chemical characterization, and anti-inflammatory activity of coumarins, flavonoids, and terpenes from Tagetes lucida. · Natural product research
3.PMID: 36297813 (2022) — Herniarin, Dimethylfraxetin and Extracts from Tagetes lucida, in Psychosis Secondary to Ketamine and Its Interaction with Haloperidol. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 32961278 (2021) — Antihypertensive and vasorelaxant mode of action of the ethanol-soluble extract from Tagetes lucida Cav. aerial parts and its main bioactive metabolites. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 30618303 (2020) — Anti-inflammatory activity of coumarins isolated from Tagetes lucida Cav.

Mexican Marigold

Sources et citations

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